Today is a historic day for Greece, for Greece's footprint in the world. The United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of Greece's candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. This is a great achievement. Out of 188 voting states, 182 voted in favor of Greece's candidacy. This demonstrates the significant capital that Greece has acquired in the international arena and within international organizations.
Now begins the time of responsibility. Following today's success, Greece essentially becomes a co-shaper of international politics at a time when we face immense challenges: the major wars that torment our world and unfold in our neighborhood, as well as other significant challenges that have been prioritized by Greek foreign policy during our two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. That is the unwavering adherence to International Law. The new impetus that must be given for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The protection of maritime trade, the protection of women and children, along with climate change, are all priorities that Greece will put on the table, always in line with our foreign policy.
I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both the Central Service and our Permanent Mission to the United Nations, for their considerable and painstaking effort over many years that has brought us this significant result today.
I would like to underline that Greece's participation in the United Nations Security Council will epitomize our country's engagement in global affairs. Greece, as an interlocutor with all the states of the world and with open channels not only with our neighbors but the whole world, aspires to be a bridge between North and South, East and West. We will do our outmost to live up to this great responsibility.
June 6, 2024